Diabetes mellitus without metformin intake is associated with worse oncologic outcomes after radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma

AIMS

Evidence suggests a detrimental effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on cancer incidence and outcomes. To date, the effect of DM and its treatment on prognosis in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) remains uninvestigated. We tested the hypothesis that DM and metformin use impact oncologic outcomes of patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for UTUC.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 2492 patients with UTUC treated at 23 institutions with RNU without neoadjuvant therapy. Cox regression models addressed the association of DM and metformin use with disease recurrence, cancer-specific mortality and any-cause mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 365 (14.3%) patients had DM and 194 (7.8%) patients used metformin. Within a median follow-up of 36 months, 663 (26.6%) patients experienced disease recurrence, 545 patients (21.9%) died of UTUC and 884 (35.5%) patients died from any cause. Diabetic patients who did not use metformin were at significantly higher risk of disease recurrence and cancer-specific death compared to non-diabetic patients and diabetic patients who used metformin. In multivariable Cox regression analyses, DM treated without metformin was associated with worse recurrence-free survival (HR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.10-1.90, p = 0.009) and cancer-specific mortality (HR: 1.49, 95% CI 1.11-2.00, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetic UTUC patients without metformin use have significantly worse oncologic outcomes than diabetics who used metformin and non-diabetics. The possible mechanism behind the impact of DM on UTUC biology and the potentially protective effect of metformin need further elucidation.

Accuracy of the EORTC risk tables and of the CUETO scoring model to predict outcomes in non-muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder

Background:

The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) risk tables and the Spanish Urological Club for Oncological Treatment (CUETO) scoring model are the two best-established predictive tools to help decision making for patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The aim of the current study was to assess the performance of these predictive tools in a large multicentre cohort of NMIBC patients.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of 4689 patients with NMIBC. To evaluate the discrimination of the models, we created Cox proportional hazard regression models for time to disease recurrence and progression. We incorporated the patients calculated risk score as a predictor into both of these models and then calculated their discrimination (concordance indexes). We compared the concordance index of our models with the concordance index reported for the models.

Results:

With a median follow-up of 57 months, 2110 patients experienced disease recurrence and 591 patients experienced disease progression. Both tools exhibited a poor discrimination for disease recurrence and progression (0.597 and 0.662, and 0.523 and 0.616, respectively, for the EORTC and CUETO models). The EORTC tables overestimated the risk of disease recurrence and progression in high-risk patients. The discrimination of the EORTC tables was even lower in the subgroup of patients treated with BCG (0.554 and 0.576 for disease recurrence and progression, respectively). Conversely, the discrimination of the CUETO model increased in BCG-treated patients (0.597 and 0.645 for disease recurrence and progression, respectively). However, both models overestimated the risk of disease progression in high-risk patients.

Conclusion:

The EORTC risk tables and the CUETO scoring system exhibit a poor discrimination for both disease recurrence and progression in NMIBC patients. These models overestimated the risk of disease recurrence and progression in high-risk patients. These overestimations remained in BCG-treated patients, especially for the EORTC tables. These results underline the need for improving our current predictive tools. However, our study is limited by its retrospective and multi-institutional design.

Risk stratification of pT1-3N0 patients after radical cystectomy for adjuvant chemotherapy counselling

BACKGROUND

In pT1-T3N0 urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) patients, multi-modal therapy is inconsistently recommended. The aim of the study was to develop a prognostic tool to help decision-making regarding adjuvant therapy.

METHODS

We included 2145 patients with pT1-3N0 UCB after radical cystectomy (RC), naive of neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy. The cohort was randomly split into development cohort based on the US patients (n=1067) and validation cohort based on the Europe patients (n=1078). Predictive accuracy was quantified using the concordance index.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 45 months, 5-year recurrence-free and cancer-specific survival estimates were 68% and 73%, respectively. pT-stage, ge, lymphovascular invasion, and positive margin were significantly associated with both disease recurrence and cancer-specific mortality (P-values ≤ 0.005). The accuracies of the multivariable models at 2, 5, and 7 years for predicting disease recurrence were 67.4%, 65%, and 64.4%, respectively. Accuracies at 2, 5, and 7 years for predicting cancer-specific mortality were 69.3%, 66.4%, and 65.5%, respectively. We developed competing-risk, conditional probability nomograms. External validation revealed minor overestimation.

CONCLUSION

Despite RC, a significant number of patients with pT1-3N0 UCB experience disease recurrence and ultimately die of UCB. We developed and externally validated competing-risk, conditional probability post-RC nomograms for prediction of disease recurrence and cancer-specific mortality.

Tissue-based molecular markers for renal cell carcinoma

Since the introduction of targeted therapies in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), more individualized treatment options have become available. Molecular markers might support treatment planning due to more accurate individual risk stratification. Current molecular markers in RCC were reviewed to elucidate clinical impact and future perspectives. An English-language literature review of the Medline database (1990 to September 2010) of published data on tissue-based molecular markers and RCC was undertaken. Histological types, clinical and oncological behaviour are variable in renal masses. Molecular markers offer potential for additional information in tumour detection and diagnosis, prognostic and predictive values, as well as determination of therapeutic targets. Investigations on molecular biomarkers in RCC include hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), survivin, B7-H1, p53, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), Insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein 3 (IMP3), Ki-67, C-reactive protein (CRP), Vimentin, Fascin, platelet count, hemoglobin level and combinations of these factors. Although some markers offer promising results, utilization in daily practice is compromised due to limited specificity, predictive accuracy and tumour histology variablity. There is an imminent need for novel molecular markers that allow accurate histologic and biologic classification of RCC to improve upon current outcomes. It is very likely that a panel of molecular markers will be used to achieve a sufficient degree of certainty in order to guide clinical decisions. A large concerted effort is required to advance the field of RCC molecular marker through systematic discovery, verification, and validation.

Collecting system invasion and Fuhrman grade but not tumor size facilitate prognostic stratification of patients with pT2 renal cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

The 7th edition of TNM for renal cell carcinoma introduced a subdivision of pT2 tumors at a 10 cm cutoff. In the present multicenter study the influence of tumor size as well as further clinical and histopathological parameters on cancer specific survival in patients with pT2 tumors was evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 670 consecutive patients with pT2 tumors (10.4%) of 6,442 surgically treated patients with all tumor stages were pooled (mean followup 71.4 months). Tumors were reclassified according to the current TNM classification, and subdivided in stages pT2a and pT2b. Cancer specific survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and univariable and multivariable analyses were used to assess the influence of several parameters on survival.

RESULTS

Tumor size continuously applied and subdivided at 10 cm or alternative cutoffs did not significantly influence cancer specific survival. In addition to N/M stage, Fuhrman grade and collecting system invasion also had an independent influence on survival. Integration of a dichotomous variable subsuming Fuhrman grade and collecting system invasion (grade 3/4 and/or collecting system invasion present vs grade 1/2 and collecting system invasion absent) into multivariate models including established prognostic parameters resulted in improvement of predictive abilities by 11% (HR 2.3, p <0.001) for all pT2 cases and 151% (HR 3.1, p <0.001) for stage pT2N0M0 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor size did not have a significant influence on cancer specific survival in pT2 tumors, neither continuously applied nor based on various cutoff values. To enhance prognostic discrimination, multifactorial staging systems including pathological features should be implemented. The prognostic relevance of the variable subsuming Fuhrman grade and collecting system invasion should be considered for future evaluation.

Distribution of metastatic sites in renal cell carcinoma: a population-based analysis

BACKGROUND

We assessed the distribution of site-specific metastases in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) according to age. Moreover, we evaluated recommendations proposed by guidelines and focused specifically on bone and brain metastases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with metastatic RCC (mRCC) were abstracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1998-2007). Age was stratified into four groups: <55, 55-64, 65-74 and ≥ 75 years. Cochran-Armitage trend test and multivariable logistic regression analysis tested the relationship between age and the rate of multiple metastatic sites. Finally, we examined the rates of brain or bone metastases according to the presence of other metastatic sites.

RESULTS

In 11,157 mRCC patients, the rate of multiple metastatic sites decreased with increasing age (P < 0.001). This phenomenon was confirmed in patients with lung, bone, liver and brain metastases (all P ≤ 0.01). The rate of bone metastases was 10% in patients with exclusive abdominal metastases and 49% in patients with abdominal, thoracic and brain metastases. The rate of brain metastases was 2% in patients with exclusive abdominal metastases and 16% in patients with thoracic and bone metastases.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of patients with multiple metastatic sites is higher in young patients. The rates of bone (10%-49%) and brain (2%-16%) metastases are nonnegligible in mRCC patients.

Tissue-based molecular markers for bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is the second most common genitourinary malignancy in the United States, and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite aggressive treatment, survival for patients with muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder remains poor. Cancer stage, grade, and other clinical and pathological characteristics provide only limited prognostic information, and there is significant heterogeneity in patient outcomes using current risk stratification. Recent research into the profiling of bladder cancer at the molecular level has begun to shed light on important mechanisms of pathogenesis, as well as providing a number of potential tissue markers. These may provide useful prognostic information and guide patient selection for therapeutic strategies. This review explores recent advances in tissue-based molecular markers in bladder cancer and their potential utility. We also discuss design and statistical consideration for development and validation of molecular markers. A combination of complementary and yet independent molecular markers will likely better capture the biologic potential of each individual bladder tumor resulting in improved clinical decision-making.

[Emerging biomarkers for the diagnosis, staging and prognosis of prostate cancer]

The introduction and widespread adoption of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has revolutionized the way prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated. However, the use of PSA has also led to overdiagnosis and overtreatment of prostate cancer resulting in controversy about its use for screening. PSA also has limited predictive accuracy for predicting outcomes after treatment and for making clinical decisions about adjuvant and salvage therapies. Hence, there is an urgent need for novel biomarkers to supplement PSA for detection and management of prostate cancer. A plethora of promising blood- and urine-based biomarkers have shown promise in early studies and are at various stages of development (Human kallikrein 2, Early Prostate Cancer Antigen, Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 and Interleukin-6, Endoglin, PCA3, AMACR and ETS Gene Fusions). In this article, we review those biomarkers and then discuss the challenges a biomarker has to undergo before it is approved in a clinical use.

[How radical nephrectomy compares to partial nephrectomy for the treatment of pT1a papillary renal cell carcinomas?]

PURPOSE

Our objective was to compare oncologic results of nephron sparing surgery (NSS) versus radical nephrectomy (RN) in T1aN0-x M0 papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 277 patients treated for a pT1aN0M0 PRCC selected from an academic database from 12 centres. We compared the clinico-pathological features by using Chi-square and Student statistical analyses. Survivals analyses using Kaplan-Meier and Log-rank models were performed.

RESULTS

The two groups were composed by 186 patients treated by NSS and 91 by RN. The TNM stage was fixed and the two groups were, in terms of age and Fuhrman grade, comparable. Median age at diagnosis was 59 years (27-85). Median tumor size was 2.7 cm (0.4-4). The average follow-up was 49 months (1-246). Very few events arose in both groups: two local recurrences were observed in the NSS group (1.07%), three patients died of cancer in the NSS treated group (1.6%) and five in the RN treated group (5.5%). The five and 10 cancer-specific survival rate were comparable in the two groups (98% vs. 100% and 98% vs. 97%). The specific survival curves were perfectly similar for both groups (log rank test, p=0.25).

CONCLUSION

NSS is equivalent to RN as far as oncologic control of pT1aN0M0 PRCC is concerned.

Screening for bladder cancer using urine-based tumor markers

Bladder cancer screening differs from routine detection of bladder cancer in patients with symptoms, such as hematuria, or a history of bladder cancer. The ultimate goal of cancer screening is to decrease cancer-related mortality by detecting disease prior to the time that the disease would normally prompt evaluation from symptoms. There are several features of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder which make screening for this disease an attractive alternative to the current approach to this disease. The disease targets a defined population and survival for patients with this disease is strongly associated with disease stage at presentation. In addition, quick, easy, and painless screening tests are theoretically possible using tumor-related markers because of the direct exposure of cancer cells to urine. Indeed, recent insights into the biology of bladder cancer initiation and progression have resulted in the identification of several urine-based markers which have promise for detecting the presence of bladder cancer. Nevertheless, adoption of screening programs prior to establishing evidence of effectiveness and large-scale financial considerations has substantial damaging consequences. This article reviews the current literature regarding screening for bladder cancer using urine-based markers.

Urine-based biomarkers for the early detection and surveillance of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

Bladder cancer has a very high frequency of recurrence and therefore requires lifelong surveillance, traditionally consisting of serial cystoscopy and cytology. These tests are both invasive and expensive, with considerable inter-user and inter-institutional variability. In addition, the sensitivity of cytology in detecting low-grade tumors is low. Therefore, there has been active investigation into urinary biomarkers that can either supplement or supplant these tests. At this point there are only six urine-based tests that are FDA-approved in bladder cancer surveillance, but a wide variety of other biomarkers are being studied. In this review, we examine the natural history of bladder cancer as well as the rationale and performance of an ideal urinary biomarker. The authors describe the FDA-approved biomarkers such as Bladder Tumor Antigen, ImmunoCyt, Nuclear Matrix Protein-22, and Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization, as well as the most promising investigational tests (i.e., Urinary bladder cancer test, BLCA-1, BLCA-4, hyaluronic acid, hyaluronidase, Lewis X antigen, microsatellite analysis, Quanticyt, soluble Fas, Survivin, and telomerase). The biological foundation, methodologies, and diagnostic performance of the biomarkers are discussed. The characteristics of the biomarkers are compared to urine cytology. At this time, urine biomarkers are utilized in a variety of clinical situations but their role is not well defined. The goal of identifying an optimal marker that will replace cystoscopy and/or cytology is still ongoing.

Preoperative plasma levels of transforming growth factor beta(1) strongly predict clinical outcome in patients with bladder carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Elevated local and circulating levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1) have been associated with cancer invasion, progression, and metastasis. The authors tested the hypothesis that preoperative plasma TGF-beta(1) levels would independently predict cancer stage and prognosis in patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 51 patients who underwent radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive or intravesical immuno- and/or chemotherapy refractory Tis, Ta, or T1 TCC (median follow-up, 45.7 months). Preoperative plasma levels of TGF-beta(1) were measured and correlated with pathologic features and clinical outcome. Transforming growth factor-beta(1) levels also were measured in 44 healthy men without any cancer.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative plasma TGF-beta(1) level in patients who eventually developed metastases to distant (11.9 +/- 0.9 ng/mL) or regional (9.6 +/- 2.4 ng/mL) lymph nodes was significantly higher than that in patients with nonmetastatic muscle-invasive TCC (5.4 +/- 1.1 ng/mL), which, in turn, was significantly higher than that in patients with nonmetastatic Tis, Ta, or T1 TCC (4.5 +/- 1.2 ng/mL) and healthy subjects (4.5 +/- 1.2 ng/mL; P < 0.001). Preoperative plasma TGF-beta(1) level was an independent predictor of lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.002), metastases to lymph nodes (P = 0.030), disease recurrence (P = 0.009), and disease specific survival (P = 0.015). In a subgroup of patients with muscle-invasive TCC, TGF-beta(1) level was associated with disease recurrence (P = 0.005) and death from bladder carcinoma (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors confirm that plasma TGF-beta(1) levels are elevated in patients with muscle-invasive TCC before cystectomy. Transforming growth factor-beta(1) levels are highest in patients with bladder carcinoma metastatic to lymph nodes and are a strong independent predictor of disease recurrence and disease specific mortality.

Plasma levels of interleukin-6 and its soluble receptor are associated with prostate cancer progression and metastasis

OBJECTIVES

Elevated circulating levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) have been associated with cancer metastasis. IL-6 binds either to membrane or to soluble IL-6 receptor (IL-6sR), which then induces homodimerization of gp130 that activates downstream signaling. We tested the hypothesis that preoperative plasma IL-6 and IL-6sR levels are associated with prostate cancer stage, progression, and metastasis after radical prostatectomy.

METHODS

Plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-6sR were measured in 120 consecutive patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer, 44 healthy men without any cancer, 19 men with prostate cancer metastatic to the regional lymph nodes, and 10 men with prostate cancer metastatic to bone.

RESULTS

Plasma IL-6 and IL-6sR levels were highest in patients with bone metastases (P <0.001). The preoperative IL-6 and IL-6sR levels were associated with the preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level (P </=0.041), prostatectomy tumor volume (P </=0.048), and final Gleason sum (P </=0.042). The preoperative IL-6 and IL-6sR levels and biopsy Gleason sum were independent predictors of PSA progression (P </=0.029). However, in a model that included both IL-6 and IL-6sR, only IL-6sR and the biopsy Gleason sum predicted progression (P </=0.040). In patients whose disease progressed, the preoperative IL-6 and IL-6sR levels were highest in those with presumed aggressive failure (P </=0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma IL-6 and IL-6sR levels were dramatically elevated in the men with prostate cancer metastatic to bone. In patients with clinically localized prostate cancer, the preoperative plasma IL-6 and IL-6sR levels independently predicted biochemical progression after surgery, presumably because of an association with occult metastatic disease present at the time of radical prostatectomy.

Predictive value of expression of transforming growth factor-beta(1) and its receptors in transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to describe the expression patterns of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1) and its receptors in transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder, to investigate the relation between the TGF-beta(1) and its receptors, and to determine whether altered expression of TGF-beta or its receptors is associated with disease progression and survival in patients with TCC of the bladder.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical staining for TGF-beta(1) and its receptors I and II was conducted on formalin fixed paraffin embedded archival cystectomy specimens of 80 patients with bladder TCC. Immunoreactivity was categorized as either positive or negative in a blinded fashion.

RESULTS

Expression of TGF-beta(1), TGF-beta-RI, and TGF-beta-RII was altered in 51 (64%), 34 (43%), and 38 (48%) specimens, respectively. Sixty (75%) specimens had altered expression of at least 1 of the 3 TGF-betas, and 26 (33%) had altered expression of all 3. Expression of the three TGF-betas was highly concordant (P < 0.018). Loss of expression of TGF-beta-RI or TGF-beta-RII was associated with invasive tumor stage (P < 0.001), high grade (P < 0.006), and lymphovascular invasion (P < 0.030). Overexpression of TGF-beta(1) was associated with invasive tumor stage only (P = 0.024). With a median follow-up of 101 months, TGF-beta-RI was an independent predictor of both disease progression (P = 0.007) and disease specific survival (P = 0.006) whereas TGF-beta(1) was an independent predictor of disease progression only (P = 0.050). Transforming growth factor-beta-RII was not independently associated with either disease progression or survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Altered expression of TGF-beta(1) and its receptors is common in TCC of the bladder. Overexpression of TGF-beta(1) is associated with the loss of expression of its receptors. Transforming growth factor-beta(1) and TGF-beta-RI are independently associated with clinical outcome in patients with bladder TCC treated by radical cystectomy.

Correlation of immunohistochemical molecular staging of bladder biopsies and radical cystectomy specimens

PURPOSE

To determine the relationship of p53, retinoblastoma (RB), and p16 expression between precystectomy transurethral resection bladder (TURB) biopsy and matched cystectomy specimens; and to determine the value of p53 immunoreactivity for predicting progression and survival in patients undergoing radical cystectomy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We performed p53 immunohistochemical staining on matched archival TURB and cystectomy specimens taken from 40 patients. Twenty-seven and 26 of these patients were also evaluated for RB and p16 expression, respectively.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight (70%) of the TURB and 22 (55%) of the cystectomy specimens stained positive for p53. RB and p16 protein expression were altered in 19 (70%) and 19 (73%) of the TURB specimens, respectively, and 19 (70%) and 19 (73%) of the cystectomy specimens, respectively. There was a strong correlation between p53, RB, and p16 expression and TURB and cystectomy specimens (all p < 0.001). In preoperative and postoperative multivariate analyses, biopsy p53 and cystectomy p53 were independently associated with disease progression (p = 0.049 and p = 0.034, respectively) and bladder cancer-related death (p = 0.044 and p = 0.037, respectively).

CONCLUSION

p53, RB, and p16 expression patterns on TURB specimens correlate with cystectomy specimens. p53 immunoreactivity is an independent predictor of disease progression and bladder cancer survival. These data support the potential of prognostic staging using immunohistochemical analysis on bladder biopsy specimens prior to neoadjuvant or definitive therapy.

Preoperative plasma levels of transforming growth factor beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) strongly predict progression in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy

PURPOSE

Elevated local and circulating levels of transforming growth factor beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) have been associated with prostate cancer invasion and metastasis. We tested the hypothesis that preoperative plasma TGF-beta(1) levels would independently predict cancer stage and prognosis in patients who undergo radical prostatectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 120 consecutive patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer (median follow-up, 53.8 months). Preoperative plasma levels of TGF-beta(1) were measured and correlated with pathologic parameters and clinical outcomes. TGF-beta(1) levels also were measured in 44 healthy men without cancer, in 19 men with prostate cancer metastatic to regional lymph nodes, and in 10 men with prostate cancer metastatic to bone.

RESULTS

Plasma TGF-beta(1) levels in patients with lymph node metastases (14.2 +/- 2.6 ng/mL) and bone metastases (15.5 +/- 2.4 ng/mL) were higher than those in radical prostatectomy patients (5.2 +/- 1.3 ng/mL) and healthy subjects (4.5 +/- 1.2 ng/mL) (P <.001). In a preoperative analysis, preoperative plasma TGF-beta(1) level and biopsy Gleason sum both were predictors of organ-confined disease (P =.006 and P =.006, respectively) and PSA progression (P <.001 and P =.021, respectively). In a postoperative multivariate analysis, preoperative plasma TGF-beta(1) level, pathologic Gleason sum, and surgical margin status were predictors of PSA progression (P =.020,P =.020, and P =.022, respectively). In patients who progressed, preoperative plasma TGF-beta(1) levels were higher in those with presumed distant compared with local-only failure (P =.019).

CONCLUSION

Plasma TGF-beta(1) levels are markedly elevated in men with prostate cancer metastatic to regional lymph nodes and bone. In men without clinical or pathologic evidence of metastases, the preoperative plasma TGF-beta(1) level is a strong predictor of biochemical progression after surgery, presumably because of an association with occult metastatic disease present at the time of radical prostatectomy.

E-cadherin immunostaining of bladder transitional cell carcinoma, carcinoma in situ and lymph node metastases with long-term followup

PURPOSE

We analyze the expression of E-cadherin in bladder transitional cell carcinoma, areas of carcinoma in situ and lymph node metastases, and determine the value of E-cadherin immunoreactivity for predicting disease progression and survival of patients with bladder transitional cell carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study group consisted of 77 patients who underwent radical cystectomy. Formalin fixed paraffin sections were processed with a hot, citric acid antigen retrieval method, followed by immunostaining with anti-E-cadherin monoclonal antibody and a standard avidin biotin complex technique. E-cadherin expression was also evaluated in carcinoma in situ sections (18) and in regional lymph node metastases (17).

RESULTS

Loss of normal membrane E-cadherin immunoreactivity was found in 59 (77%) patients. Abnormal expression of E-cadherin was associated with muscle invasive disease (p = 0.010) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.044). Of the 18 carcinoma in situ specimens 15 (83%) and of the 17 metastatic lymph nodes 13 (76%) had abnormal E-cadherin expression. Concordance rates of E-cadherin status in carcinoma in situ areas and metastatic lymph nodes with the primary tumors were 85% and 88%, respectively. At a median followup of 128 months, abnormal E-cadherin expression was significantly associated with disease progression (p = 0.0219) and bladder cancer specific survival (p = 0.037). E-cadherin expression and pathological stage but not grade were independent predictors of disease progression (p = 0.042, 0.047 and 0.158, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In bladder cancer altered E-cadherin expression is associated with the degree of invasiveness, lymph node metastasis and increased risk of death from bladder cancer. Furthermore, E-cadherin status is an independent predictor of disease progression in patients treated with cystectomy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

Optimal combinations of systematic sextant and laterally directed biopsies for the detection of prostate cancer

PURPOSE

The standard sextant protocol for obtaining transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate has been shown to underestimate the presence of prostate cancer. Studies have demonstrated an increased cancer detection rate with additional laterally directed biopsies. We compared the sensitivity of individual biopsy cores and evaluated combinations of these cores to identify an optimal biopsy strategy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 396 consecutive patients underwent biopsy of the lateral peripheral zone in addition to standard sextant biopsy. The cancer detection rate for each biopsy core was calculated. The sensitivity of different combinations of biopsy cores was compared with those of standard sextant biopsies and with a 12 core biopsy protocol that combined the standard sextant biopsy with a complete set of laterally directed cores.

RESULTS

Cancer was detected in 160 of 396 (40.3%) patients. Of the possible combinations of biopsy cores a strategy that included laterally directed cores at the base, mid gland and apex of the prostate with mid lobar base and apical cores detected 98.5% of cancers. The detection rate of this 10 core biopsy regimen was significantly better than that of the standard sextant protocol (p < or =0.001), and was equivalent to that of the 12 core regional biopsy (p > or =0.302).

CONCLUSIONS

The standard sextant protocol failed to detect a large proportion of cancers located laterally in the peripheral zone. A 10 core biopsy regimen that combined laterally directed cores at the base, mid gland and apex of the prostate with mid lobar biopsy cores at the base and apex maximizes the sensitivity of transrectal ultrasound guided systematic biopsy.

Local recurrence after radical prostatectomy: correlation of US features with prostatic fossa biopsy findings

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of transrectal ultrasonography (US) in the detection of local recurrence following radical prostatectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-nine patients with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy were evaluated at transrectal US and prostatic fossa biopsy. Location of suspected recurrence at transrectal US and clinical features, such as prostate-specific antigen levels and digital rectal examination findings, were correlated with biopsy results.

RESULTS

Forty-one (41%) of 99 cases of local recurrence were detected. The percentage of sites of lesions identified at transrectal US and corresponding positive biopsy rates were as follows: the urethrovesical anastomotic area, 56% and 61%; bladder neck, 26% and 54%; retrovesical space, 4% and 100%; and more than one site, 14% and 71%. By comparing transrectal US and digital rectal examination, the sensitivities were 76% and 44% (P =.007), while specificities were 67% and 91% (P =.004), respectively. An increased positive biopsy rate with increasing prostate-specific antigen levels was noted (P =.04).

CONCLUSION

Transrectal US is more sensitive but less specific than digital rectal examination in the detection of local recurrence. Biopsy findings in more than half of the suspected lesions at the urethrovesical anastomotic area and bladder neck were positive. Lesions in the retrovesical space, although less frequently encountered, had a high likelihood of representing cancer recurrence.

Adenovirus-mediated transfer of inducible caspases: a novel "death switch" gene therapeutic approach to prostate cancer

In patients with localized prostate cancer, radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy, although effective in controlling localized disease, are often associated with significant side effects attributable to injury of adjacent tissues. Moreover, patients with metastatic disease eventually fail systemic hormonal or chemotherapy because of the development of progressive, refractory disease. In this study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of a novel suicide gene therapy that could potentially spare normal tissue while bypassing molecular mechanisms of apoptosis resistance by using chemically inducible effector caspases to trigger apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. Initially, we compared the ability of a panel of inducible Fas signaling intermediates to kill human and murine prostate cancer cell lines. On the basis of the superior killing by downstream caspase-1 and caspase-3, replication-deficient adenoviral vectors expressing conditional caspase-1 (Ad-G/iCasp1) or caspase-3 (Ad-G/iCasp3), regulated by nontoxic, lipid-permeable, chemical inducers of dimerization (CID), were constructed. Upon vector transduction followed by CID administration, aggregation and activation of these recombinant caspases occur, leading to rapid apoptosis. In vitro, both human (LNCaP and PC-3) and murine (TRAMP-C2 and TRAMP-C2G) prostate cancer cell lines were efficiently transduced and killed in a CID-dependent fashion. In vivo, direct injection of Ad-G/iCasp1 into s.c. TRAMP-C2 tumors caused focal but extensive apoptosis without evidence for a bystander effect at the maximal viral dose (i.e., 2.5 x 10(10) viral particles/25 microl) in host animals that also received CID compared with control animals. Treatment with Ad-G/iCasp1 plus CID resulted in a transient, yet significant, reduction both in tumor growth and volume compared with tumors treated with vector but not CID (P < 0.035) or vector-diluent plus CID (P < 0.022), both of which grew more rapidly. These results demonstrate that CID-regulated, caspase-based suicide gene therapy is safe and can inhibit the growth of experimental prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo through potent induction of apoptosis, providing a rationale for further development.

Characteristics of normal prostate vascular anatomy as displayed by power Doppler

BACKGROUND

To define the vascular anatomy of the normal prostate as depicted by power Doppler and to provide baseline data for evaluation of this modality in the diagnosis and management of prostatic disease.

METHODS

The vascular anatomy of 40 subjects was studied. Power Doppler images were correlated with corresponding gray-scale images. Doppler spectral waveform measurements were obtained for the vessels identified.

RESULTS

Separate branches of the capsular vessels were visualized clearly, distributed radially in the peripheral and central zones and converging toward the center of the gland. Urethral vessels were visualized in the transition zone coursing from bladder neck to verumontanum. The neurovascular bundles were identified posterolaterally along the length of the gland. No significant difference between the resistive indexes of the urethral and capsular vessels was identified (P = 0.595), although there was a significant difference between the resistive index of the neurovascular bundles and that the prostatic vessels (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The vascular anatomy of the normal prostate as displayed by power Doppler demonstrates a reproducible and symmetric flow pattern. Power Doppler is highly sensitive in depicting blood flow, the number, course, and continuity of vessels more readily than other imaging modalities, such as color Doppler. These data should allow comparison of the vascular anatomy of the normal prostate with that of the prostate with diseases such as prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Prediction of response to salvage radiation therapy in patients with prostate cancer recurrence after radical prostatectomy

PURPOSE

To identify factors predictive of local recurrence as defined by a complete response to salvage radiation therapy in patients whose disease recurs after radical prostatectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety-five patients with recurrence after radical prostatectomy who were evaluated by prostatic fossa biopsies, and a subset of 49 of these patients treated with radiation for control of presumed or biopsy-proven local recurrence, were studied.

RESULTS

Biopsies were positive in 40 (42%) of the 95 biopsied patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that prebiopsy prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, postrecurrence PSA doubling time, and positive digital rectal examination (DRE) of the prostatic fossa were all statistically significant predictors of a positive biopsy. For the 49 patients subsequently treated with salvage radiation therapy, the overall actuarial 3- and 5-year PSA relapse-free probabilities were 43% and 24%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed no differences in the PSA relapse-free probabilities associated with any pathologic features of the radical prostatectomy specimen, biopsy confirmation of local recurrence, or DRE of the prostatic fossa. In multivariate analysis, controlling for all other variables, preradiation PSA and postrecurrence PSA doubling time measured before radiation were the only statistically significant predictors of outcome.

CONCLUSION

DRE of the prostatic fossa, prebiopsy PSA, and postrecurrence PSA doubling time predict which patients will have biopsy-proven local recurrence. However, response to salvage radiation therapy is associated with postrecurrence PSA doubling time and with preradiation PSA level only. DRE of the prostatic fossa and biopsy confirmation of local recurrence are not associated with salvage radiation outcome.

E-cadherin expression predicts clinical outcome in carcinoma in situ of the urinary bladder

OBJECTIVES

The clinical course of carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the bladder is highly variable. Our objective in this study was to describe E-cadherin expression patterns in CIS with and without papillary disease and to determine whether altered E-cadherin expression is associated with disease progression and survival in patients with CIS of the bladder.

METHODS

Tumor specimens from 53 patients who had CIS in the absence of muscle-invasive carcinoma on bladder biopsy were identified. Formalin-fixed paraffin sections were processed using a hot citric acid antigen retrieval method, followed by immunostaining with anti-E-cadherin monoclonal antibody. Expression patterns were evaluated in a blinded fashion and scored as normal and abnormal, which included absent and various degrees of heterogeneous immunostaining. Outcomes analyzed were recurrence, progression, and survival.

RESULTS

Loss of normal membrane E-cadherin immunoreactivity was found in 17 patients (32%). At a median follow-up of 131 months, abnormal E-cadherin expression was significantly associated with disease recurrence (P = 0.0087), disease progression (P = 0.0003), and bladder cancer-specific survival (P = 0.0285). In multivariate analyses, E-cadherin expression was independently associated with disease recurrence (P = 0.019, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.342 to 5.940), disease progression (P = 0.002, 95% CI 2.049 to 17.989), and bladder cancer-specific survival (P = 0.025, 95% CI 1.179 to 10.432).

CONCLUSIONS

Loss of E-cadherin expression in patients CIS with and without papillary disease of the bladder predicts disease recurrence, disease progression, and bladder cancer-specific death. CIS with and without papillary disease associated with abnormal E-cadherin expression may represent a biologically more aggressive cancer, requiring early definitive therapy. This hypothesis should be evaluated in larger studies and prospective clinical trials.

Detection of metastatic prostate cancer using a splice variant-specific reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay for human glandular kallikrein

We developed a highly sensitive splice variant-specific reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) assay for human glandular kallikrein (hK2) mRNA and tested its ability to detect metastatic disease in men with clinically localized prostate cancer. An RT-PCR assay using primers spanning intron IV and including a significant portion of the 3' untranslated region of the hKLK2 gene, with maximum nonhomology to both hK1 and hK3, was developed. The limit of detection of the assay was five copies of hK2 cDNA and one LNCaP cell in 10(9) lymphoblasts. RT-PCR-hK2 was performed on preoperative peripheral blood specimens from 228 consecutive radical prostatectomy patients as well as 7 metastatic prostate cancer patients and 14 healthy men without prostate cancer. This new RT-PCR-hK2 assay amplifies two distinct fragments. The larger fragment (hK2-U) is approximately 680 bp in length and corresponds to the amplified product of a previously reported splice variant in the splice donor site of intron IV in the hKLK2 gene. The smaller fragment (hK2-L) is approximately 643 bp in length and corresponds to the amplified product of the native hK2 mRNA. Whereas the RT-PCR-hK2-L assay was positive in 71% of our patients with metastatic prostate cancer, 14% of healthy control men also tested positive. By univariate (P = 0.028) and multivariate (P = 0.0269) analysis, which controlled for preoperative PSA, clinical stage, and biopsy Gleason score, RT-PCR-hK2-L status added prognostic information to the prediction of lymph node-positive disease. We have developed a new RT-PCR assay which demonstrates a high sensitivity for detecting hK2 mRNA. Preoperative RT-PCR-hK2-L status helps predict pathological lymph node positivity in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer.

Prognostic value of P53 nuclear accumulation and histopathologic features in T1 transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether molecular and histopathologic tumor features can predict disease progression in Stage T1 transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

METHODS

Tumor specimens from 43 patients were analyzed with respect to grade, presence of carcinoma in situ, invasion deep or superficial to the lamina propria's muscularis mucosa, p53 expression using DO-7 and PAb1801 antibodies, age, and sex. Flow cytometry was performed on 30 patients from whom there was adequate paraffin-embedded tissue to assess DNA ploidy. Seven patients underwent immediate cystectomy as primary treatment and 36 patients retained their bladders and were at risk of recurrence and progression.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 79 months. Disease recurred in 17 patients (47.2%) and progressed in 6 (16.7%). Only 3 patients (7.0%) died of bladder cancer. None of the parameters investigated was statistically significant in predicting recurrence, progression, or survival. Only carcinoma in situ approached statistical significance (P = 0.0593) as a predictor of progression. Early cystectomy did not have a significant effect on cancer-specific survival (P = 0.3603). The concordance rate between the two p53 antibodies was 88% (P <0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Deep invasion of the lamina propria, p53 positive immunohistochemistry, high grade, and aneuploidy were not significant adverse prognostic factors for either disease progression or survival. Carcinoma in situ associated with Stage T1 transitional cell carcinoma may represent a biologically more aggressive cancer requiring early definitive therapy, but this hypothesis should be evaluated in prospective clinical studies.

Correlation of preoperative plasma IGF-I levels with pathologic parameters and progression in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy

OBJECTIVES

To test whether preoperative insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I levels could predict pathologic stage and prognosis of prostate cancer in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 120 consecutive patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer. Preoperative plasma IGF-I levels were measured using the DSL-IGF-I Elisa assay. Surgically removed prostate specimens were analyzed pathologically, using a whole-mount step-section technique. Preoperative plasma IGF-I levels were compared with final pathologic parameters and with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression-free survival. Preoperative IGF-I levels in this cohort were also compared with IGF-I levels measured in 20 healthy men without any cancer and in 10 men with untreated, metastatic prostate cancer.

RESULTS

Plasma IGF-I levels predicted neither organ-confined disease (P = 0.5611) nor the risk of PSA progression (P = 0.8125) at a median follow-up of 48.6 months after prostatectomy. Furthermore, IGF-I levels did not correlate with preoperative PSA level (P = 0. 2811) or final Gleason score (P = 0.4906). IGF-I levels in radical prostatectomy patients were not significantly higher than those in healthy subjects or in patients with metastatic disease (mean 156.7 +/- 66 ng/mL, 148.6 +/- 49 ng/mL, and 148.6 +/- 93 ng/mL, respectively; P = 0.8442).

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating IGF-I levels may predict the future risk of developing prostate cancer, but our study found no association with other established markers of biologically aggressive disease or with disease progression in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer.

Ocular injuries sustained by survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to provide a review of the ocular injuries sustained by survivors of the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.

DESIGN

Retrospective, noncomparative case series.

PARTICIPANTS

The authors retrospectively evaluated data collected on all surviving persons receiving ocular injuries during the bombing and on all at-risk occupants of the federal building and four adjacent buildings.

METHODS

Injury data from survivors were collected from multiple sources to include hospital medical records, a physician survey, emergency medical services run reports, written survivor accounts, building occupant survey, telephone interviews, and mail surveys.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The types of ocular injuries, the associated systemic injuries, and the location of the injured at the time of the blast were evaluated.

RESULTS

Fifty-five (8%) of the 684 injured bombing survivors sustained an ocular injury. Persons injured in the Murrah building were more than three times more likely to sustain an ocular injury than other injured persons. Seventy-one percent of ocular injuries occurred within 300 feet of the point of detonation. The most common serious ocular injuries included lid/brow lacerations (20 patients, 23 eyes), open globe injuries (12 eyes), orbital fractures (6 eyes), and retinal detachment (5 eyes). A retained intraocular foreign body accounted for only two of the injuries (4%). Glass accounted for nearly two thirds of the ocular injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

Blasts involving explosions inflict severe ocular injury, mostly as a result of secondary blast effects from glass, debris, etc. Eye injuries in bombings can probably be prevented by increasing the distance from and orientation away from windows (i.e., by facing desks away from windows). Use of such products as laminated glass, toughened window glazing, and Mylar curtains may reduce glass projectiles in the blast vicinity.

Psychiatric disorders among survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing

CONTEXT

Disasters expose unselected populations to traumatic events and can be used to study the mental health effects. The Oklahoma City, Okla, bombing is particularly significant for the study of mental health sequelae of trauma because its extreme magnitude and scope have been predicted to render profound psychiatric effects on survivors.

OBJECTIVE

To measure the psychiatric impact of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on survivors of the direct blast, specifically examining rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), diagnostic comorbidity, functional impairment, and predictors of postdisaster psychopathology.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Of 255 eligible adult survivors selected from a confidential registry, 182 (71%) were assessed systematically by interviews approximately 6 months after the disaster, between August and December 1995.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Diagnosis of 8 psychiatric disorders, demographic data, level of functioning, treatment, exposure to the event, involvement of family and friends, and physical injuries, as ascertained by the Diagnostic Interview Schedule/Disaster Supplement.

RESULTS

Forty-five percent of the subjects had a postdisaster psychiatric disorder and 34.3% had PTSD. Predictors included disaster exposure, female sex (for any postdisaster diagnosis, 55% vs 34% for men; chi2 = 8.27; P=.004), and predisaster psychiatric disorder (for PTSD, 45% vs 26% for those without predisaster disorder; chi2 = 6.86; P=.009). Onset of PTSD was swift, with 76% reporting same-day onset. The relatively uncommon avoidance and numbing symptoms virtually dictated the diagnosis of PTSD (94% meeting avoidance and numbing criteria had full PTSD diagnosis) and were further associated with psychiatric comorbidity, functional impairment, and treatment received. Intrusive reexperience and hyperarousal symptoms were nearly universal, but by themselves were generally unassociated with other psychopathology or impairment in functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that a focus on avoidance and numbing symptoms could have provided an effective screening procedure for PTSD and could have identified most psychiatric cases early in the acute postdisaster period. Psychiatric comorbidity further identified those with functional disability and treatment need. The nearly universal yet distressing intrusive reexperience and hyperarousal symptoms in the majority of nonpsychiatrically ill persons may be addressed by nonmedical interventions of reassurance and support.

Impact of chronic dialysis on serum PSA, free PSA, and free/total PSA ratio: is prostate cancer detection compromised in patients receiving long-term dialysis?

OBJECTIVES

The increased incidence of malignancy (ie, prostate cancer) in patients with end-stage renal failure is well known. However, little is known of the impact of hemodialysis and various membrane types on total and free prostate-specific antigen (PSA). We prospectively studied the impact of high- and low-flux dialysis membranes and kidney function on total PSA (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA), and free/total PSA ratio (f/t PSA).

METHODS

A total of 149 men were included. tPSA, fPSA, and f/t PSA were measured before and immediately after dialysis with high-flux (n = 101) and low-flux (n = 48) membranes in the serum and in the dialysis ultrafiltrate. A multivariate analysis of the impact of kidney function and age on the rate of change of all parameters was performed.

RESULTS

Overall, a significant decrease of fPSA (from 0.49 +/- 0.3 to 0.35 +/- 0.3 ng/mL, P <0.0001) and f/t PSA (from 45 +/- 19% to 38 +/- 13%, P <0.0001) and a nonsignificant decrease in serum tPSA were observed. However, fPSA (from 0.51 +/- 0.5 to 0.27 +/- 0.3 ng/mL, P <0.0001) and f/t PSA (from 47 +/- 19% to 31 +/- 18%, P <0.0001) decreased significantly in high-flux membranes only. The ultrafiltrate contained 100% fPSA in high-flux membranes and no fPSA in low-flux membranes. Age, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and dialysis evaluation parameters (Kt/V) had no impact on correlation with changes in tPSA and fPSA.

CONCLUSIONS

tPSA molecules do not pass high- and low-flux membranes; fPSA passes high-flux membranes only. The nonsignificant decrease of tPSA is due to adsorption to both dialysis membranes. Although tPSA can safely be used to screen patients on dialysis, independently from the dialysis procedure and membrane, fPSA and f/t PSA are only reliable with low-flux membranes. Finally, we can state that the fPSA is most probably cleared through the kidneys by glomerular filtration.

A prospective study of long-term health outcomes among Oklahoma City bombing survivors

A follow-up study was conducted to identify long-term physical and emotional outcomes among Oklahoma City bombing survivors. Baseline data were gathered by the Oklahoma State Department of Health in 1995. Follow-up data were gathered by telephone interviews of survivors from 1-1/2 to 3 years after the bombing. The frequency of medical diagnoses, symptoms, medical cost, physical and social life changes, and services utilized since the bombing were assessed. A total of 494 persons were interviewed, 92 percent had been physically injured in the bombing. Seventy-nine percent of persons interviewed rated their general health status as "good," "very good," or "excellent." Overall, one-fourth to one-third of survivors reported being newly diagnosed with audiologic changes, anxiety, and depression since the bombing. One-third of persons reported preexisting medical conditions that had worsened since the bombing including depression (26%) and asthma/bronchitis (22%). The most frequently reported posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were "being jumpy or easily startled" and "recurring distressful thoughts of the bombing." The most frequently utilized medical services were psychological counseling (63%) and audiology services (48%). Total costs were estimated of $ 5.7 million. Overall, persons who had been hospitalized with bombing injuries reported higher rates of diagnoses, symptoms, and services utilization. These findings suggest that a large proportion of survivors of a terrorist bombing, especially those seriously injured, will experience long-term physical and/or emotional outcomes and increased need for treatment for bombing-related medical conditions. All survivors should be carefully assessed over time for auditory damage, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

Neoadjuvant and adjuvant alpha-blockade improves early results of high-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy for lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a randomized, prospective clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

Improved long-term results with respect to symptoms, voiding function, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are achieved with targeted high-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) compared with alpha-blocker treatment alone. However, maximal improvement after TUMT is not attained until 3 to 6 months after treatment. Measures to provide earlier symptom relief and improved voiding function and QOL would add to the clinical utility of TUMT. The objective of the present study was to determine whether neoadjuvant and adjuvant alpha-blockade is capable of accelerating a post-TUMT decrease in LUTS of patients with BPH.

METHODS

In this randomized, prospective study of 81 patients with LUTS of BPH, 41 underwent TUMT with neoadjuvant and adjuvant tamsulosin (0.4 mg daily) treatment, and 40 had TUMT alone. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), peak urinary flow rate (Qmax), and QOL score were determined before treatment and at periodic intervals thereafter up to 12 weeks after TUMT.

RESULTS

Mean IPSS values in the TUMT plus tamsulosin group at 2 weeks (14.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 13.1 to 14.9) and 6 weeks (8.6; 95% CI 7.7 to 9.5) were 15% and 24% lower, respectively, than those at 2 weeks (16.5, 95% CI 15.6 to 17.4) and 6 weeks (11.3, 95% CI 10.4 to 12.2) in the TUMT-alone group (P<0.0005). However, by the final evaluation at 12 weeks, no significant difference between the groups in mean IPSS was evident. A similar temporal pattern of difference between the two study groups was also observed in QOL score. No significant between-group difference in mean Qmax was evident after TUMT. Urinary retention 1 week or more in duration occurred in 5 (12%) of 40 TUMT-alone group patients compared with 1 (2%) of 41 TUMT plus tamsulosin group patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant and adjuvant alpha-blocker treatment results in significantly greater early symptom reduction and QOL score improvement after TUMT, adding to the clinical utility of this minimally invasive treatment modality. In addition, post-TUMT complications such as urinary retention may be reduced.

Prospective randomized comparison of high energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy versus alpha-blocker treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

PURPOSE

We compare directly the efficacy and safety of targeted high energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy with alpha-blocker treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this randomized prospective study 52 patients with symptomatic BPH received terazosin and 51 underwent high energy transurethral microwave therapy with topical anesthesia. Patient evaluation included determination of International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS), peak flow rate and quality of life score before transurethral microwave therapy or terazosin and periodically up to 6 months thereafter.

RESULTS

At 2-week followup the terazosin group transiently exhibited significantly greater improvement than the transurethral microwave therapy group in mean values of all 3 primary efficacy parameters of I-PSS, peak flow rate and quality of life score. At 12 weeks and 6 months this pattern was reversed, and the transurethral microwave therapy group achieved significantly greater improvement than the terazosin group in mean I-PSS, peak flow rate and quality of life score. By 6 months 78.4, 64.7 and 84.3% of the transurethral microwave therapy group demonstrated a 50% or greater improvement in I-PSS, peak flow rate and quality of life score, respectively, compared with 32.7, 9.6 and 40.4% of the terazosin group, respectively. Nine patients in the terazosin group and 1 in the transurethral microwave therapy group withdrew from study because of side effects or lack of treatment efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Terazosin afforded more rapid improvement in symptoms, voiding function and quality of life in BPH patients. High energy transurethral microwave therapy offered markedly superior clinical outcomes at 12 weeks to 6 months.

A novel intraurethral prostatic bridge catheter for prevention of temporary prostatic obstruction following high energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

PURPOSE

We evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel intraurethral prostatic bridge catheter in preventing temporary prostatic obstruction following targeted high energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 54 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia underwent high energy transurethral microwave therapy under topical urethral anesthesia followed by placement of a prostatic bridge catheter, which remained indwelling as long as 1 month (prostatic bridge catheter group). Patient evaluation included determination of peak urinary flow rate, International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) and quality of life score at baseline, immediately following transurethral microwave therapy and prostatic bridge catheter placement, and periodically thereafter for 1 month. Results were retrospectively compared with those of 51 patients who underwent transurethral microwave therapy followed by standard temporary urinary catheterization, typically for 24 hours (standard catheterization group).

RESULTS

Immediately following transurethral microwave therapy and prostatic bridge catheter placement significant improvements (p <0.0005) were observed in mean peak flow rate, I-PSS and quality of life score of 59.3, 33.5 and 23.6%, respectively, compared with baseline values. Further improvements were noted up to 1 month, at which time mean peak flow rate, I-PSS and quality of life score had improved 79.0, 54.9 and 56.5%, respectively, versus baseline (p <0.0005). In a retrospective comparison at baseline and 14 days between the prostatic bridge catheter group and standard catheterization group mean baseline peak flow rate, I-PSS and quality of life score were similar. However, at the 14-day followup evaluation in the prostatic bridge catheter group mean peak flow rate was 101.8% higher, and I-PSS and quality of life score were 47.9 and 51.1% lower, respectively, than the corresponding values in the standard catheterization group (p <0.0005). The prostatic bridge catheter was well tolerated and remained indwelling throughout the entire 1-month followup in 48 of 54 patients (88.9%). Early prostatic bridge catheter removal was required in 3 patients (5.6%) due to urinary retention and in 3 (5.6%) due to catheter migration.

CONCLUSIONS

Prostatic bridge catheter placement provides an effective and well tolerated option for preventing prostatic obstruction in the acute period after transurethral microwave therapy. This approach avoids the inconvenience and infection risk of standard indwelling catheters or intermittent self-catheterization. Prostatic bridge catheter insertion and removal are rapid, facile, nontraumatic procedures. Prostatic bridge catheter may potentially be used in an array of minimally invasive procedures involving thermal treatment of the prostate gland.